Explosion at GM Tech Center; lithium battery is the suspected cause

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Deputy Fire Chief Gary Wilkinson said the explosion most likely was related to a lithium battery.

Wilkinson told Autoweek that a responder notified the HAZMAT team via radio that the explosion involved lithium batteries in the research facility's Alternative Energy Center.

The explosion occurred during "extreme testing" on a prototype battery and is unrelated to the Chevrolet Volt or any other production vehicle according to GM.

The fire was extinguished and portions of the facility were evacuated.

Wilkinson said two people were injured during the explosion. One was treated at the scene and the other was taken to an area hospital. All injuries were reported to be non-life threatening. According to WWJ CBS Detroit, a statement issued by GM said five additional workers were being evaluated by medical personnel. All injuries appeared to be non-life threatening.